Chapter 13

Nathan POV

Nathan sat comfortably in the familiar office as he stared at the man behind the desk. He may have been old, small, and kind of innocent looking, but one stare from Whitey, and the fear of God was passed through him.

Of al his coaches, none have ever pushed Nathan as hard as Whitey. He never accepted his best because he knew there was always something more he could give. For that, Nathan was thankful for.

He didn't just coach a basketball team; he showed them to keep pushing in this life as well.

"I hear a congratulations are in order," Whitey mumbled.

"Did I do something?"

"Ya got married that's what!" Whitey bellowed, standing from his chair. "And if rumors are true, ya gotta a new brother in town too, aren't you a lucky one."

"I didn't take you for a gossiper," Nathan laughed, but stopped after seeing the old man's face. "Sorry."

"Don't apologize, just promise it won't get in the way of your play on the court!"

Nathan didn't think that could ever be a problem. "How so?"

"I've been dealing with teenage boys for most of my life Nathan. Coaching them to be a good as they possibly could be, but you know what I learned? Is that any, and I mean any, distraction off the court screws up their game. I don't want to see that happen to you, or your brother. I need you boys to be great, and you need to be great. We clear."

A distraction was the last thing Nathan thought of when he associated Haley, and now Jack. It changed his life sure, Haley for the better, but he didn't think they'd ever slow him down on the court.

But he saw where Whitey was coming from. "I promise coach, it won't be a distraction."

"Good, now get a here. Don't you have class?"

"Actually it's lunch."

"Then go get something to eat, your looking skinny Scott!"

Nathan mumbled an okay before leaving the office. He laughed to himself at Whitey's odd coaching skills but decided not to second-guess him. Right now he was the best coach, and Nathan needed that.

General POV

Both Haley and Lucas walked casually out of their last class before lunch break. It'd been English, a class they both excelled at, and so it hadn't been to boring. They both had a little bit too much on their mind to start with, but by the time they left, the two best friends were smiling and heading out to eat with the others.

"I swear if I get one more crazy look I'm going to lose it," Haley mumbled, seeing the odd stares in the halls. It was a piece of jewelry. It wasn't like she grew another head. "It's a ring, not a chastity belt."

"Let em stare," Lucas laughed, throwing his hand around his friends shoulder. "I didn't take you for someone who cares."

"Hey, get your own wife," Nathan surprised the two.

"Ah dude that's just weird," Lucas still felt like the people staring at times. Thankfully, he caught sight of his uncle Keith, a welcome distraction. "And, what's the final word?"

"There's officially a third Scott enrolled a Tree Hill High."

"Yes," Haley squealed happily, giving Nathan a hug. "Was he happy? Or brooding like Lucas usually does?"

"I don't brood."

"Not sure to be honest," Keith said seriously. "But listen guys, give Jacks some time okay?"

"Time," Nathan questioned. "For what? Did he say something?"

Keith smiled at his nephew. "No Nate, just call it a gut feeling. You guys be there for him as best you can, but don't push it. Make him come to you. Last thing he needs is to feel like you're talking and hanging out with him because you have too."

"It's not like that," Lucas answered.

"I know Luke, but he might not see it that way. Just pick your spots, and let him do his own thing. Give him time."

Haley trusted Keith, even though she wasn't keen on the plan. She didn't want Jack feeling left out, none of them did, but understood where Keith was coming from.

It didn't take long before they made it outside and Keith said goodbye. He promised he'd keep in touch after school to see how Jacks first day went, and then left. The others thought about what Keith had said while they sat down at one for the tables outside for lunch.

"Keith's right," Haley admitted, seeing the confusion on both the boys faces. "It doesn't mean we ignore him, but just don't' try so hard. That's all I'm saying."

"Try hard at what!" A voice cut in. Tim managed to squirm his way in between Haley and Nathan and smiled at Nathan. "Bro, everything's good on all fronts."

"What?" Nathan asked, a little annoyed at the shift in seats.

"You said I was in charge," Time explained. "Well I've been doing some digging while you guys were on your lame little trip. Found some guys who I think will make are team that much better this year."

"You were scouting?" Lucas sounded surprised.

"Hell yeah!"

Nathan perked up a little at the familiarity of the topic basketball. "So, anyone good?"

"Oh man wait till you see are tryouts next week," Tim bragged. "It's gonna be a whole different squad this year."

"Speaking of, you think Jack plays basketball?" Haley wondered, every Scott she knew had basically played it. "Maybe it's a family thing."

"Who the hell is Jack?"

"Are brother," Lucas answered simply.

Tim looked back and forth between Lucas and Nathan, not understanding what was happening. "I don't understand."

"Oh, I think Tim's jealous he didn't turn out to be the third Scott brother," Peyton teased, joining the group.

"Am not!"

Nathan rolled his eyes as his best friend and ex girlfriend started a back and forth. He'd seen it dozen times when him and Peyton were together, he didn't need a reminder.

Lucas and Haley on the other hand thought it was amusing to see, Tim had always been kind of funny, and Peyton was really letting him have it at the moment.

"If there was a third Scott brother, I'd be best qualified," Tim fired back.

"Okay conversation over," Peyton sighed, tired of arguing. She turned to the others. "You guys see that guy Felix in any of your classes? Caught him chatting Brooke up again in the halls before I got out here."

"Guys an ass," Nathan added, earning a curious glance from Haley. "Saw him flirting with Theresa in Algebra, hits on anything that moves."

Tim choked back a laugh.

"What's so funny?"

Tim shrugged. "That was you last year."

Both Peyton and Haley shot Nathan a look who tried to stare at anything but them.

"Nice," Peyton mumbled.

Jack POV

Jack had been given the day from Principal Turner to look around the school and get acquainted with the facility. Keith had showed him around for a bit before taking off. He'd explained that he worked at an auto show and would love to take a look at Jack's car whenever he had time.

So here he was, at lunch, just stepping outside in the open pavilion, seeing the hundreds of students walking around getting ready for lunch. After a year away, he'd almost forgotten what it was like to be a normal student.

He spotted Lucas and Nathan eating lunch with Haley and Peyton, laughing about what a guy next to them said. They seemed like they were having such easy time.

It was so simple for them.

He almost found himself walking over there, but couldn't. He didn't want the dozens of questions they'd ask. He'd probably hear them tonight at Peyton's house anyways. Besides Keith had said to take it slow and work on it, so he'd do just that.

Nearly all of the tables had been filled when Jack started to look. He didn't feel like standing any longer, not after walking around the grounds for the past two hours. He needed a good half hour break, so he continued to search for any seat open for him.

There were a few, but he wouldn't be that guy who sat randomly with a group of friends. He knew high school enough that that shit didn't fly.

Ignoring the stares a few people were giving him, Jack spotted a table where a guy was sitting alone.

He looked normal enough, average looking, a pair of glasses, a bit of a chubby face. There wasn't anyone else making there way there so Jack walked over.

"Do you mind if I sit?" Jack asked, seeing the confused look from the guy. He hesitated, looking around like someone might be watching, before nodding his head. "Thanks."

The guy turned back towards his computer, not once saying a word.

That's what that feels like. Jack thought, making a mental note to work on that.

He had time now to fully look over his schedule, and from the looks of it, it wasn't all that great. Mr. Turner hadn't been kidding when he said condensed, hardly any breaks, but that was his own fault.

He wondered if maybe any of the few people he knew would be in any of his classes. It would help to at least know someone with the lay out of the class.

The feel of being watched raised his Jack's attention as he looked up to see the guy staring at him behind his computer.

"Your new," He stated.

Jack nodded his head. "Yeah."

"Where'd you move from?"

"Was up in New York," Jack explained.

The kid nodded, gesturing towards everything around. "Must be different, big city state compared to this."

"Yeah I guess, but I was kind of sick of living in the city. Truth is I could use some downtime."

The kid laughed. "Good luck finding that here."

General POV

Brooke walked happily in the halls with a few of her friends as they made their way for lunch. Her first couple of classes had been all right, nothing too bad, but she was excited to finish them.

She'd seen Peyton in the halls before, but Bevin had needed something and Peyton had decided to meet her outside. Looking around, she couldn't see her best friend anywhere.

"So try outs are next week?" Bevin asked, walking with Brooke.

"Yup, and now we have 4 spots to fill after the seniors graduating, so be ready, because we're going to be interviewing a lot of girls."

Bevin smiled happily. "Oh that reminds me, I met this girl last week who was interested, and we hit it off. Her names Rachel, so we should give her a real shot."

"If you vouch for her," Brooke said. Her blonde friend came into view. "Oh good. Listen I'll catch you later."

"Alright bye!"

Hurrying over, Brooke caught the tail end of her friend's conversation. She'd almost wished she'd stayed with Bevin after hearing Felix's name yet again.

"I think he's cool," Tim added, turning towards Nathan. "but forget that, you have another brother? Who the hell is this guy?"

"Actually that's a good question," Haley mumbled, mostly to herself. "Has anyone seen Jack? I know we told Keith we'd give him his space but we could at least share a lunch with his."

Peyton slid over, giving Brooke a place to sit. "Here sit quickly before Felix spots you."

"Oh god where is he?" Brooke groaned, ducking her head.

Lucas laughed as his ex girlfriend's antics. "Coast is clear Brooke, I don't think he'd approach you with all of us here."

"You'd be surprised." Brooke complained, thinking about he earlier encounter. "He sabotaged me at my house. Called me sweetheart."

"Well that's nice?" Nathan wondered out loud.

"Oh I spotted Jack, I'll be right back," Haley said, taking off towards him.

The others barely even noticed, even Nathan, as he was too busy arguing with Brooke. Haley noticed quickly that he was already eating and sitting down with someone. It was strange seeing him sociable after the weekend they had.

What was even stranger was whom Jack was sitting with.

"Hey Jack," Haley smiled, before turning to the familiar face. "Hey Jimmy."

"Hey Haley," Jimmy mumbled, turning back to his computer.

Jack smiled at the familiar face, the one person who he felt most comfortable with.

"I was wondering if you wanted to each lunch with us but you found a good replacement, Jimmy's an old buddy of Lucas's from the river court," Haley explained.

"River court?"

"Basketball court," Haley continued. "I'm sure you'll see it eventually. But anyways, just wanted to come say hi. I'll see you around."

Jack watched his brother's wife walk away before turning to see Jimmy looking at him strangely.

"What?"

"You realize that girls dating Nathan Scott right? He'll kick your ass if you're trying to make a move."

"Relax Jimmy, I don't think Nathan's going to be doing any kicking" Jack said amused. He got up from the table, ready to head out. "I'll see you around?"

"Why?" Jimmy asked like it was the most obvious thing. "I don't know if you noticed, but I'm kind of a loner."

Jack had noticed. "You keep selling yourself short, world will too. Take it easy."

Lucas POV

Lucas sat patiently by his car waiting. School had ended about 10 minutes ago and he'd asked Peyton and Brooke to meet him afterwards. He'd been back but besides seeing them at the beach, this would be the first time they'd be alone.

After everything that had happened the past couple days, today was the first day that felt normal. So he'd do the normal thing, and clear the air.

He spotted the two friends walking towards him in the crowd instantly. It wasn't very hard; he was somehow lucky enough to have the attention of the two prettiest girls in school at a time.

Yet somehow he'd screwed that up.

Idiot. Lucas thought bitterly.

"So what's up?" Peyton asked.

He looked back and forth between the girls. "I was supposed to stay gone, but then Dan had his attack and then the whole new brother thing kind of exploded everything. And I just never got the chance to say I'm sorry. I screwed up, in more ways then one, and I just want this school year to be a good one. Hang out, try and act normal, and just have no drama."

"No drama in Tree Hill?" Brooke questioned with a smirk. "Doubtful."

Lucas smiled. "I just want to move past it."

"We will."

The three stood awkwardly before Peyton cleared her throat. "Well I gotta get going. My house is running dry and I have to find something to cook for dinner. I'm sure Jack will want to eat."

"Oh man I just remembered you have a roommate now," Brooke joked. "Better cook for three."

"What why!"

"Duh, he's still living in your house, I got to look out for you."

Lucas looked between the two girls confused. "Wait, do you still not trust Jack?"

"Call me paranoid…"

"Paranoid," Peyton whispered.

"But," Brooke continued, glaring at her friend. "Someone's got to look out for her. Now come on, let's go."

Lucas chuckled lightly watching the two girls leave. He felt for his brother, living with those two, probably a disaster, though a pretty disaster to look at if he really thought about it.

Turning to his car, Jack noticed Haley and Nathan across the parking lot leaving hand in hand happily. He still couldn't believe they were married, but it did raise an idea. He smiled as he mentally started to plan.

This should be fun. Lucas thought.

Jack POV

Jack's hand felt odd after his first day.

He'd been walking towards his car at days end and all of a sudden, a strange feeling passed over him. It'd been almost two days since he last swung his fist at anything, and his body was sorely missing it.

It was stupid, he knew, but he just loved to fight. Any chance he had, he'd take, and even training right now would be just as good.

He didn't know Tree Hill very much, but the little he did know gave him an idea. Forgetting about heading home, Jack cut the lot and made his way towards the gym that Keith had showed him earlier.

The doors were still open thankfully as he made his way inside. It was pretty empty, maybe a student every now and then, but they were all heading towards the exit.

Rounding a corner, he nearly collided with an older man but stopped just short.

"Eyes forward son," He said quickly.

Jack apologized before heading past him. He'd made it about a dozen steps before he heard the old mans voice calling him back.

"Hey!"

Turning, he watched the man stalk towards him. "Yeah?"

"You're Jack aren't ya. The newest Scott?"

"Yeah."

The man stuck out his hand. "Names Whitey, coach Whitey. In charge of your brothers when they're out on that court."

"Basketball huh," Jack mused. Truth was, he didn't know very much about his brothers yet. "They any good?"

"My two best players," Whitey smiled. He eyed the boy's size up. "You're pretty big, you play?"

Jack laughed. "I'm not exactly a team player. I box, that's about it."

Whitey was quiet for a minute. Strange for him to see a Scott not love the game of basketball, but he'd seen stranger things.

"So what brings you here?"

Jack remembered why he was here in the first place. "I was actually looking for a gym. Train a little. Maybe see if you guys have a bag I could hit."

Whitey smiled. "Follow me."

Back in New York, he'd been lucky enough to have a punching bag a couple of feet from his room. Then after he'd moved out, finding a place became more difficult. Being low on cash didn't help, especially when you couldn't pay to train in a gym. The only workouts he got were when he was in the cage, and he couldn't think of a better way to train then that.

That mentality went away the second he stepped into the training facility of Tree Hill High. He had everything he needed, and more. A place like this would have made a paid membership seem cheap.

"Wow," Jack mumbled, taking in the room. He even spotted a bag.

"Got a lot of generous donations from the parents wanting to see their boys win," Whitey explained.

"That important around here huh," Jack noticed, seeing the banners litter the school.

"In Tree Hill, basketballs a religion son." Whitey summed up. He noticed the clock. "Listen, gym closes at 6, every day except game days. So you come in here whenever you like."

"Thanks."

Whitey smiled one last time before heading back from where he came.

Jack had hoped he would be able to train alone, seeing how it was the end of the day, but just when he'd changed and began on the bag, he noticed someone had joined him in the empty gym.

Most cases, he would have done his own thing and left it at that. But he recognized the smug face that made its way over towards him.

"Training huh," Felix said, leaning over one of the machines. "Guess you don't wanna screw up that face again."

Twice.

He'd made remarks about his face twice today. Jack promised himself he wouldn't take a third time lightly.

"Listen, I wanted to clear the air before anything starts," Felix explained. Jack wasn't sure what he meant but the guy continued. "Brooke's hot. Plain and simple. And I'm going to take my shot. But I don't wanna deal with some other guy trying to make a move too. So we good?"

"You've been going around to every guy saying this?" Jack asked.

Felix smiled. "Some don't need the push. But I saw you walking in here and I thought what the hell. Truth is, I've been paying attention all day, and I know who you are. Now your brothers, there basketball stars, they have leverage. Hell, they hang out with Brooke all the time. So you see, some guys have an in, and you're one of em."

"Buddy you're two steps from crazy," Jack mumbled, giving the bag a quick right hook. The way this guy spoke was almost too much, but Jack continued to punch and ignore him. "Now if you don't mind, I'm busy."

"You understand?" Felix asked seriously, stepping towards him. "Or are we going to have a problem?"

The guy stepped in front of Jack's line from the bag, stopping any momentum he had. He'd promised Keith he'd stay straight, but it was getting harder and harder.

"Only problem I have is the asshole standing in front of the bag," Jack said seriously. He stepped closer, not once wavering. "I'm not interested in whatever stupid game you're playing. So back the fuck off and leave me the hell alone."

The two stared down each other before Felix smirked. He didn't say anything else, just gave him that smug look before leaving.

Day one and he'd already lost his cool. Even for Jack that was a quick start. Luckily, the room was empty, and he had an hour to release any frustration he had on the bag.

Suffice it to say, he imagined the bag to be a specific someone he knew.